Illiteracy as a major challenge – the majority of immigrants cannot read or write. In the German courses in Vienna, many start from scratch.
In 2022, the numbers of asylum seekers once again exceeded those of the large wave of refugees in 2015. It is striking that the level of education of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection has deteriorated sharply in recent years. If more people with a higher level of education came to Austria in 2015/16, seven out of ten immigrants will be illiterate by 2022.
Especially Syrians and Afghans
This means that they cannot write or read in their native language. This is especially true for people from Syria and Afghanistan. This is evident from the latest figures from the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF).
“Perfect German is often not necessary”
“This of course makes access to the labor market and therefore survival more difficult. But we also receive feedback that many participants in the German courses would still like to work,” says Sonja Ziganek, head of integration programs at ÖIF. But apparently the mental hurdles or the inhibition threshold would be too high.
Ziganek: “Many think that they have to speak perfect German in order to apply. But in many cases that is not necessary at all. Companies need workers in all areas and many of the vacancies cannot be filled.” That is why the ÖIF and several large companies have joined forces and created a new job platform.
During the German units, companies such as SPAR, Österreichische Post, Mediaprint, Foodora and ISS Facility Management inform migrants directly on site about concrete entry opportunities and vacancies for people with little knowledge of German.
‘Social system is relieved faster’
Also on board is the Professional Association of Employers of Private Educational Institutions (BABE) as the largest provider of German courses. The ÖIF also provides interpreters for these dates. Ziganek: “It’s a win-win-win situation. Asylum seekers learn German faster by using the language, companies can fill vacancies and the social system is relieved more quickly.”
Low-threshold support for AMS
They don’t want to compete with the AMS. But you can offer low-threshold support. In any case, the aim would be for those affected to continue their training at the new workplaces and move on to higher positions. “That is also the intention of our business partners. Many offer their new employees their own training opportunities. In addition, we are constantly expanding our range of German courses. This is also possible part-time,” says the integration expert.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
